Valverde's keys for Barcelona's makeover

Upon his arrival in Barcelona, Ernesto Valverde knew that the Catalan club needed to change philosophy in order to reclaim the European and domestic throne. After Neymar's departure, the former Athletic Club coach had to readjust his plans and somehow fill in the boots of the Brazilian superstar.

His team's double defeat against Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup was a major blow, but the Blaugrana managed to bounce back with four wins in four games, without conceding a single goal and scoring 12. So, hat has changed over his first months in Catalonia?

Messi plays closer to the area

Valverde has insisted that Messi shouldn't drop back to get the ball and start an attack, placing him in a more unrestrained role which resulted to eight goals in his first six official matches.

From the undisputed 4-3-3 to 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1

Without Neymar, an attacking triangle system isn't necessary anymore and without the ball, Ousmane Dembele drops to the midfield, while Ivan Rakitic joins Sergio Busquets to form a defensive line.

Using the wings

The Catalans can count again on their wing-backs, as Jordi Alba and Nelson Semedo's explosive performances during the first few games have opened up the pitch for Barcelona, while also blocking the opponents' way to Marc-Andre ter Stegen's goal.

Iniesta will be the main man

His place in the starting line-up is undisputed at the moment. Andres Iniesta is the cog that has connected Barcelona's well-oiled machine for years and Valverde seems eager to re-establish him in his favourite midfield position.

Defensive security

Four consecutive games without conceding a goal seem like a message of transformation from the backline. Semedo and Umtiti are slowly adapting to their coach's philosophy and ter Stegen has received a boost on his confidence.

Title hunger returns

Barcelona players have changed their attitude on the field compared to last season, throwing themselves at the ball and pressuring their opponents with aggressiveness. It looks as if the ambition to recapture all the domestic and international trophies available is on its way back to Camp Nou.